BackpackingModerate

Havasupai Falls

Grand Canyon / Havasupai, AZ

Elevation Profile

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Waypoints

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1.

Hualapai Hilltop

The trailhead at the top of the canyon. 10 miles and 2,000 feet to the campground.

5,499 ft

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2.

Supai Village

The Havasupai village. Check in here. Café and tourist lodge.

3,222 ft

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3.

Havasu Falls

The signature waterfall. 100-foot cascade into a turquoise travertine pool.

3,202 ft

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4.

Mooney Falls Camp

Campground near 200-foot Mooney Falls. The largest waterfall on the route.

3,179 ft

Route Details

Distance

10.0 mi

Elevation Gain

2,001 ft

Elevation Loss

2,001 ft

Max Elevation

5,499 ft

Estimated Days

2

Trailhead

Hualapai Hilltop

Best Season

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Spring and fall best. Summer 110°F+ in the canyon. Flash flood risk—camps can be evacuated. Permits are extremely competitive.

Permit Required

Havasupai Tribe permit required. Lottery opens February each year. Very limited availability.

About This Route

Havasupai Falls is one of the most photographed natural wonders in North America—turquoise blue-green waterfalls tumbling into travertine pools deep in a side canyon of the Grand Canyon, located on the Havasupai tribal lands. The 10-mile trail drops 2,000 feet into Havasu Canyon to reach Supai Village and the campground beyond. The falls are formed by travertine deposits from the calcium-rich spring water. Havasu Falls (100 ft), Mooney Falls (200 ft), and Beaver Falls (downstream) are the three main cascades. The water color comes from the high calcium carbonate content, which scatters light to create the vivid turquoise hue. The permit system is managed by the Havasupai Tribe. Permits are among the most sought-after in the National Park System—a lottery opens each February. No-shows sometimes mean cancellations are available day-of, but planning a year ahead is recommended. Summer temperatures in the canyon can exceed 110°F. Shade is limited. Most hikers enter in March-May or September-October. Flash floods have damaged the falls infrastructure multiple times—the campground is evacuated when flood risk is elevated.

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